6.1 Infrastructure and Safety

Transcription

1 6.0 PROPOSED ACTIONS Following is lists of projects identified to achieve the vision and objectives of the Strategy. Projects are listed under three categories - Infrastructure and Safety, Monitoring, Education and Promotion and Review and Implementation. The projects are also prioritised and given a target date. The Strategy anticipates that a wide range of bodies will take responsibility for its implementation including Council, central government agencies such as the Police and Transit, community groups, businesses and individuals. Other agencies might also provide funding to undertake projects supported by the strategy. Important steps in Council s implementation of the strategy will be the preparation of proposed tenyear implementation programmes to provide input into the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP), as well as 12-month action plans to provide input into the annual plans. Intermediate school-aged cyclist, Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes). Source: Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide, LTSA (2004) n : JMS : PPL page 12 Walking and Cycling Strategy

2 6.1 Infrastructure and Safety Confirm Networks 1. Confirm existing walking and cycling networks for the Gisborne urban and coastal environs. Identify possible extensions to these networks, taking into account: The varying needs of pedestrians and cyclists ie, transport, recreation, fitness and competition. The results of public consultation with respect to preferred, optimal routes. Opportunities for use of existing reserves (especially esplanade reserves), road reserves and existing natural resources such as rivers, beaches etc. Opportunities to link or extend existing recreational areas. Opportunities to incorporate areas of high amenity into routes to improve the overall attractiveness of the experience. Additional areas for recreational walking for example might include: Gaddum's Hill Reserve and adjacent QEII Trust Land; a coastal walkway network linking city, Wainui, Makorori and beyond; an extension to the Makorori walkway; a walkway utilising the existing rail corridors; Barkers Hill/Hospital Hill/City loop walkway. est Priority 2004/ For the remainder of the district including townships and rural locations identify a series of cycling and walking networks and possible extensions appropriate to the topography and climate of the district, providing for a range of activities including sport, recreation, tourism and transportation. 2005/2006 (This work provides the framework for further implementation actions to improve the operation of the networks and to extend the networks. See items below for initial projects.) Kaiti Wainui Walkway / Cycleway Path beside major rural highway, State way 1, north of Plimmerton, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes). Source: Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide, LTSA (2004) 3. a. Research options to remove pedestrians and cyclists from the State way, especially the 100km section. For example building a cycleway /walkway on land adjacent to the highway or using Sponge Bay Road, Lloyd George and Murphy Road by taking land for cycle lane at subdivision in strategic locations. b. Form a community group to liaise with GDC and other relevant public agencies and to raise funds. c. Identify necessary works and develop a staged programme to fund and implement necessary works. Coastal Walkway from Kaiti Beach to Wainui 5 4. a. Research options to create a coastal walkway from the end of Kaiti Beach to Sponge Bay, around Tuaheni Point to Wainui. b. Identify necessary works and develop a programme to fund and implement necessary works See Gisborne Urban Coastal Strategy and the Open Space Strategy for Gisborne and Wainui. n : JMS : PPL page 13 Walking and Cycling Strategy

3 Okitu and Makorori 5. a. Research options to create a cycleway at Okitu, for example, utilise the shoulder of road or some of the grass verge. b. Identify necessary works and develop programme to implement necessary works. Use signage and road marking to clearly identify a. Research options for safer alternative routes for cyclists going over Makorori Hill. Low b. Identify necessary works and develop programme to fund and implement necessary works. 7. Investigate options to upgrade the link walking track over Makorori Headland that connects Wainui Beach with Makorori Beach. Kaiti Hill Kaiti Beach Walkway Low a. Investigate the development of a walking track from Kaiti Hill to Kaiti Beach b. Identify necessary works and develop programme to fund and implement necessary works. 7 Western Industrial Cycle Route (Matawhero) 9. a. There is a known cycle risk between Awapuni Road and the Western industrial area due to inadequate shoulders and the lack of lighting. Research options to remove cyclists from the 100km section of this route and identify shoulders of the road or some of grass verge where cycle lanes may be possible. b. Identify necessary works and develop programme to fund and implement necessary works Valley Road 10. a. Investigate a project to extend the footpath along Valley Road. Low b. Identify necessary works and develop programme to fund and implement necessary works. Low Pouawa Marine Reserve 11. a. Investigate a walking track from the northern end of the Marine Reserve at Low Pouawa. Presently access is only available from the southern end. b. Develop a programme to fund and implement work. Low Extension of Riverbank Walkway 12. a. Complete programmed works to build a bridge across the Waikanae Stream b. Programme proposed works to extend the riverbank walkway from the bridge across the Waikanae Stream, to the Cook Statue, along the beach to Grey Street Midway Beach to Waipaoa River 13. a. Investigate forming a cycleway/walkway between Midway Beach and the Waipaoa River. b. Develop a programme to fund and implement work Cave Road, Matokitoki Road 14. Cave Road to Matokitoki Road link is used by runners and mountain bikers but would benefit from property markings and track maintenance beyond the road ends. Investigate options, identify necessary works and develop programme to implement See Open Space Strategy for the Gisborne City and Wainui. 7 See Open Space Strategy for the Gisborne City and Wainui. 8 See Open Space Strategy for the Gisborne City and Wainui and capital expenditure programmed in the Annual Plan 2002/2003, carried through to subsequent years. 9 See Open Space Strategy for the Gisborne City and Wainui and capital expenditure proposed in the LTCCP. n : JMS : PPL page 14 Walking and Cycling Strategy

4 Design and Operation of Network and Facilities 15. Consult with representatives of disabled users to develop guidelines for the design and operation of networks and facilities 16. a. Prioritise safe walking and cycling access to schools. Consult with key groups to identify issues and options. (Safe routes might be identified as alternatives to shortest routes) b. Develop a programme to implement prioritized improvements Cycle lane diverts to cycle path to negotiate multi-lane roundabout, Otaha Valley Road, Albany, New Zealand. (Photo: Tim Hughes) Source: Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide, LTSA (2004) 17. a. Review intersections, particularly roundabouts, along major routes against best practice design and operational guidelines for use by cyclists and pedestrians. For example, connection points between beaches and city, Awapuni Road and Customhouse Street. b. Programme prioritised improvements Cycling stopping Bay, Hamilton (Photo: K.V. Chandran) n : JMS : PPL page 15 Walking and Cycling Strategy

5 18. a. Review current design and operation of shoulders for cycling and identify locations along the cycle network where cycle routes should or could be separated from motor vehicles. For example, the Back Ormond Road route to Waihirere Domain could be widened to enable a cycle lane. This route has relatively few side roads so is relatively safe except for heavy traffic and the speed of traffic ongoing b. Develop a programme to implement necessary works Cycling lane separated from parked cars, Hamilton East. (Photo: K.V. Chandran) 19. a. Identify areas where speed limiting, traffic calming and/or traffic volume reduction, in conjunction with the traffic management strategy, would provide effective improvements to safety and amenity levels for cyclists and walkers ongoing b. Identify necessary works and develop a programme to implement prioritized improvements. 20. a. Review the design and operation of major pedestrian routes, e.g. major routes into the CBD (giving attention to geometrics, planting, surveillance, fencing, lighting, signage and markings) to increase safety, amenity and awareness of routes. b. Identify necessary works and develop a programme to implement prioritized improvements Give priority to pedestrians over motor vehicles in key locations e.g. in the CBD Provide frequent, safe, main road crossings in high activity pedestrian areas Review GDC policies for the placing of footpaths where only one side of the street is paved. Identify options and develop a policy to deal with existing footpaths that switch from one side of the street to the other, such as Stout Street Maintenance and Enhancement of Networks 24. Review provision and maintenance of footpaths and tracks on walking and cycle network routes, giving priority to areas where routes are unsafe such as the Haumanatua Stream Bridge, and/or in high traffic areas such as the footpath down Grey Street from Alfred Cox Park to Waikanae Beach Ensure that re-sealing contracts require that the parts of the road used by cyclists be adequately sealed n : JMS : PPL page 16 Walking and Cycling Strategy

6 26. Enhance and maintain a small number of high-quality leisure routes that will provide significant public value and be well utilised. Initial routes to be: Riverbank walkways and other routes through the CBD Kaiti Hill walkways Some of these routes could be developed by opening up viewing opportunities and incorporating artworks and information about heritage or environmental features (refer n. 29). 27. Review adequacy and efficiency of regular roadside sweeping programme on roundabouts and all principal roads to remove glass etc. 28. Encourage ownership of routes by community groups. Assist community groups to adopt a programme of enhancement of specific routes Ancillary Features and Services 29. Review provision of ancillary features for walking and cycling such the regularity of rest stops for the disabled and elderly, pet care collection points, route information (especially on high quality recreational routes), viewing opportunities, artworks, and information about heritage or environmental features, lighting, and bike racks. 30. Investigate and promote lock up facilities especially at colleges and polytechs, to save students having to carry helmet gear from lecture to lecture all day, may encourage participation from these age groups. Promote if desire is sufficient. Planning, Policies and Processes 31. Engineering, road design and road maintenance processes to recognise and provide for walking and cycling as essential considerations and requirements within the transportation network. 32. Incorporate networks/routes as relevant into other Community/ Council Plans, strategies and asset/activity management plans. 33. Link reserves planning and maintenance to this Strategy too, to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to the needs of pedestrian and cycle users of such facilities. Low Review Council s statutory plans. Subdivision and development should allow for and encourage safe and enjoyable walking and cycling. Investigate any amendments to the plans to assist implementation of this. For example, investigate amendments to the District Plan to identify areas where reserve contributions could assist with development of cycleways or walkways Inner Commercial Zone 35. Review role of cars in the Inner Commercial Zone giving consideration to the benefits of making this area attractive for pedestrians and cyclists versus motor vehicles and parking spaces as at present Mountain Biking (Off-Road Cycling) Facilities 36. Investigate availability of GDC land and other land for the development of mountain biking facilities Facilitate discussions between mountain bikers and potential providers of land (for example forestry companies and GDC) with respect to access to land and development of facilities. Provide support to any community initiatives, for example by providing information on regulations and by providing ancillary features such as signage n : JMS : PPL page 17 Walking and Cycling Strategy

7 38. Review Reserve management Plan for Langford Fallon Reserve with particular attention to the dual provision for walking and cycling, target user groups and the types of facilities/tracks anticipated. Investigate methods to improve safety to difference user groups, for example signage, separation of walking and cycling routes. Low 2009/ Continue to improve and increase the mountain biking trails at Langford Fallon Reserve. 6.2 Education and Promotion Road Safety Education Programmes Action 40. Continue work of the Road Safety Coordinator. The Coordinator shall ensure that safety issues for cyclists and walkers are given a priority and ensure the implementation of appropriate District Wide education and promotion of cycling and walking activities and associated issues. 41. Review and enhance other safety programmes especially with respect to children s safety, eg, cyclists skill training for both children and adults adult supervision of children cycling to school programmes that increase awareness of motoring practices that are adverse for cyclists and pedestrians education of property owners of the inconvenience to pedestrians and hazards caused by encroaching and overhanging trees and vehicles parked over footpaths. Priority Possible Target Dates Access and Participation (Photo: Tim Hughes) Source: Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide, LTSA (2004) 42. GDC will actively support and continue to invest in walking and cycling as part of daily life activities, both as a significant employer and as a leader in the community. 43. Review existing education and promotion programmes especially with respect to disabled people and other low-participation target groups. 44. Encourage opportunities for the community to have a go at biking e.g. bike library and hire a bike concepts, or programmes for school bikes at minimal cost. Liaise with other organisations to find sponsorship funding n : JMS : PPL page 18 Walking and Cycling Strategy

8 Action Priority Possible Target Dates 45. Promote and encourage flexibility in work environments to enable staff to avoid peak traffic times if cycling, running or walking as a mode of transport GDC to lead by example ongoing Relationships 46. GDC to form a relationship with cycling/walking groups. A staff member would provide a point of contact to GDC Signage 47. a. Review signage of network routes and facilities, especially in the CBD and in public open space areas. Consider where signs are needed: Riverbank Walkway. (Photo: Kim Smith) To inform pedestrians and cyclists of dangers. To describe the location of network routes and recreational opportunities To increase driver awareness of other users of roads eg, Kaiteratahi. To describe the degree of difficulty or skill needed for certain routes eg, mountain bike trails in Langford Fallon Reserve. b. Implement improvements incrementally, as identified. Information and Reporting Services 48. Develop and promote information for specific walkways and cycleways throughout the district, to inform tourists and recreational users e.g. develop pamphlets / booklets. 49. Include information about walking and cycling on GDC s web site promote the strategy; promote walking and cycling for health; promote and describe existing and future routes and facilities; include links to other relevant sites Events 50. Promote participation and awareness of opportunities by holding, facilitating and promoting events eg, Celebrate refurbishment of existing and completion of new facilities. Sports events such as ¼ marathon, ½ marathon, Eastland duathlon 5km walk series, BMX events, workplace challenge. Kidsafe Week. n : JMS : PPL page 19 Walking and Cycling Strategy

9 6.3 Monitoring, Review and Implementation Action 51. Seek and provide sufficient funding to enable key actions to be implemented over the life of the Strategy. Funding should be sought and provided by a range of agencies, for example Pokies/Trusts. 52. GDC will prepare 10-year implementation programmes to provide input into the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP), through which funding is allocated to implementation actions. Priority Possible Target Dates 53. Every three years (in line with GDC s review of its rolling 10-year implementation programme to provide input into the LTCCP) GDC will monitor progress in achieving the vision of the Strategy and review the document to ensure that it is in line with current thinking GDC will also prepare 12-month action plans to provide input into the annual plan process. Annually 55. GDC, in consultation with appropriate groups, will refine existing and/or develop new programmes to achieve the Vision of the Strategy. For example, it is anticipated that projects to investigate possible extensions to the networks will continue to be added to the list of implementation actions n : JMS : PPL page 20 Walking and Cycling Strategy